Islamabad: Is the population increasing or decreasing? A new survey by Gallup has revealed shifting trends around the world. According to the findings, 39% of people believe that their country’s population is not growing fast enough, while 24% hold the opposite view, thinking population growth is too high.
In an increasingly complex demographic landscape, the latest research by Gallup International Association highlights a deep and somewhat surprising global contradiction: people’s concerns about population trends often clash with their personal preferences regarding family size. Based on a survey conducted in over 60 countries by the end of 2025, global public opinion shows a slight tilt toward concern over declining population.
However, behind this overall data, there are clear regional differences. In wealthy countries such as the UK and the Netherlands, concerns about an aging population, shrinking workforce, and long-term economic stability dominate public thinking. These factors reinforce a preference for smaller families, typically two children.
In contrast, countries like Pakistan and South Africa express strong concern that their populations are growing too rapidly. These worries reflect pressure on infrastructure, employment, education, and healthcare systems. What makes Pakistan a striking example of this contradiction is the coexistence of these concerns with strong social traditions favoring larger families.
Despite a significant net sentiment of concern (+69) about rapid population growth, nearly two-thirds of Pakistanis still consider three or more children ideal—far higher than the global average of 27%. This gap shows that awareness of national challenges, such as limited resources or urban overcrowding, does not necessarily translate into changes in personal preferences, which remain shaped by cultural expectations, economic security strategies, and family-centered social values.
On the other hand, the global norm of a two-child family—preferred by 54% of people worldwide—indicates a degree of convergence. This trend is particularly visible in middle- and high-income societies, where factors such as education, urbanization, and women’s participation in the workforce influence decisions about having children.
